418 : From Betrayed to Brave: How (and When) to Talk to Your Kids About Betrayal

From Betrayal To Breakthrough

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Dr. Debi Silber reflects on the significance of Episode 418 and explores one of the most emotionally charged topics in betrayal recovery: how your children are affected by betrayal—and what to consider when deciding whether to share your story with them.

Whether your kids were young when the betrayal happened or are now grown and sensing something was never quite right, this episode offers guidance, compassion, and clarity for navigating this complex family dynamic.

🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why kids often sense something is wrong, even if they don’t know the details

• The emotional cost of keeping betrayal hidden from children

• What happens when they find out from someone else—and how that can feel like a second betrayal

• How to check your intentions before opening up

• Why the energy in your home matters—and what your kids may be picking up

• The difference between sharing out of pain vs. sharing as part of your healing journey

• What it looks like when a betrayer is truly rebuilding—and how that can impact your kids

• Dr. Debi’s personal story of telling her four children—and how it shaped their growth, healing, and strength as a family

• The role of honesty, spiritual growth, and aligned action in rebuilding trust

• The importance of giving kids a voice and a space to process their own emotions

💡 Key Takeaways:

• There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every family must decide what's right for them.

• Honesty, done with intention and care, can be a powerful part of healing—for you and your children.

• Kids notice more than we think. Trying to fake wellness only teaches them to ignore their instincts.

• The energy in the home speaks volumes. Even if nothing is said, everything is felt.

• Rebuilding isn’t just between partners—it includes your children too.

• You can’t rebuild with the same person who broke everything. The betrayer must be willing to transform and come clean.

• Healing is uncomfortable—but necessary. It’s a choice between “hard now, easy later” or “easy now, hard later.”

✨ Dr. Debi’s Story:

Dr. Debi shares how her husband told their children about the betrayal, her decision to be transparent, and the profound impact it had on her family. From grueling healing to remarriage—with new vows and their kids as the bridal party—she offers a rare glimpse into what full-circle transformation looks like when everyone is committed to truth, growth, and healing.

“I didn’t just want to heal—I wanted to rebuild. Not just me, but my family. And that required honesty, integrity, and love—at the deepest level.”

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

• The 5 Stages from Betrayal to Breakthrough: https://thepbtinstitute.com/reclaim/

• Trust Again (Book by Dr. Debi Silber)

• The Rebuild Program (For those who betrayed and want to heal): https://thepbtinstitute.com/rebuild/

• The PBT Institute Community (Join the healing conversation): https://thepbtinstitute.com

📣 Final Words:

This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating betrayal. Whether you're still reeling from the pain or beginning to rebuild, you’ll leave with tools, reflection prompts, and the reassurance that while the path is hard—it’s also transformative.

Trust your gut. You know what’s right for your family. And if you decide to open up to your children, do it with intention, clarity, and love.

Connect with Dr. Debi Silber: 🌐 ThePBTInstitute.com 📘 Trust Again - Book 🎓 Rebuild Program: https://thepbtinstitute.com/rebuild/ 🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://thepbtinstitute.com/speaking/